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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 63. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
I just began taking Effexor XR for my GAD yesterday and I have yet to see if it will work or not - but I have a question...
I have smoked pot for about a year and a half now and I never really thought it was a problem for me. I know people can go back and forth all day about whether it helps or hurts - but that has nothing to do with my problem.
I am trying to take every step I can within my own control to make sure my life is going in the right direction. Just a couple weeks ago I came to work smelling of weed, and got written up for me! I was shocked! I guess I failed to remember that smoking week day in and day out is NOT a reality for other people. It took a while for it to soak in that as much as I consider weed one of my favorite activities, it has a serious potential to burn bridges that I've worked VERY hard to build.
My fiance and I had a financial dry spell the last couple of weeks (which isn't saying much - we're ALWAYS in a finacial dry spell, this was just worse than usual) and I had no choice but to stop smoking weed, and cigarettes - but we just ended up binge drinking instead! It feels like to me that I can't just give it all up! If I can't have one thing, I have to have another. Transference - right?
I'm sick of feeling like if I don't have these things my life will just END! I tried to sit down and talk with my fiance about wanting to stop, and he is supportive, but I think he feels like that means I want HIM to stop - and I dont! Now I just feel guilty - and he feels guilty because as long as it's around I'm just not going to make myself stop!
HOW DO I STOP?!?!?!
Posted by Prism on July 20, 2004, at 23:21:13
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
From experience... I could only stop smoking if I was not around it.
Get back around it and it is very easy to go with the flow.
If you truly do not want it to control your life stay away from it and people who do it UNLESS you have a lot of willpower.
That is my best advice.Smile.
Prism
Posted by partlycloudy on July 21, 2004, at 9:07:33
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
Hi there, me again. I've self medicated with alcohol and weed for years; in fact I'm a bonafide alcoholic. If you think that you can't go a day without it; if you think you have a problem, you probably do. I go around and around on it. I function for days and weeks with neither; but given the right situation (isolation) I promptly get blotto to escape being alone. Drinking while on meds really hurts and is totally bad for your liver. Smoking doesn't seem different to me on meds rather than medication free. Does not mean these things aren't a problem - it's huge! It is something that I ultimately decided I have to find my own path to healthfulness. For me, that means loading up my dance card so I'm not left alone when I'm vulnerable.
Many people swear by AA and NA.
Posted by starlight on July 27, 2004, at 15:24:24
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
You got written up for smelling like weed? That's outrageous. How do they know what you were doing. Do they have a weed smell monitor? You didn't admit it did you? You have to be very careful in the workplace...
My experience with trying to quit a behavior that I engage in is that there has to be something that I'd prefer to do more - something I want more. Feeling guilty about it is counterproductive. And if your significant other smokes too that makes it even harder.
Good luck and try not to worry about it or invest any more energy in feeling bad about yourself because of it. If you were in Canada or in a place where it was easily accepted you wouldn't have those feelings at all.
starlight
Posted by TexasChic on July 27, 2004, at 15:41:21
In reply to Re: How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by starlight on July 27, 2004, at 15:24:24
I've been applying for jobs that I'm sure will drug test. I know I should stop smoking *right now* in order to have the most time to get it out of my system. But I keep putting it off, reasoning I may not *get* any of these jobs and would have quit for nothing. Obviously I'm having trouble giving it up. I think a part of it is the fact that I just moved into an apartment and this is the first time I can smoke in my own home. Its only been a couple of weeks, so I'm not ready to give it up yet! Also, I've been using it to help with my anxiety, which will make it even harder to give up. I have plans to start meditating, exercising, and doing yoga, which might help. I'm just such a procrastinator. I'm pretty sure I will do like Cottonwool and start binge drinking. Anyway, I saw this post and had to write. Any advice will be appreciated.
Posted by starlight on July 27, 2004, at 15:46:19
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by TexasChic on July 27, 2004, at 15:41:21
If you're in your own apartment, and you're the only one who smokes, then don't have any around. Finish what you've got and don't buy any more. Take long walks in the evening - and see if your doc can give you anything to help with anxiety. Don't feel bad though I did the same thing when I was applying for a job that tested. Remember that there is no physical addiction, just psychological. So just replace your smoking time with something else. Yoga's good. Good luck.
starlight
Posted by TexasChic on July 27, 2004, at 15:51:34
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by starlight on July 27, 2004, at 15:46:19
Thanks, those are some good ideas. I think my problem has been that I still have some and felt as if I had to stop right now, and then would have it sitting there waiting to be smoked. But just finishing it off and not buying anymore might do the trick. I guess I was trying to make it harder than it was. Thanks again.
Posted by partlycloudy on July 28, 2004, at 8:57:24
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by TexasChic on July 27, 2004, at 15:51:34
I just started a little morning cough and I'm so freaked out I stopped smoking immediately. I think it's due to allergies but I'd be mortified if I made myself sick from smoking. Fear is a great aversion for me!! I too have to find something else to do for the anxiety. I won't go for a walk as it's about 90 degrees in the evening and I already sweat just from thinking hard... plus I feel guilty taking "quality time" away from my husband in the evening. He travels so much I really treasure being together.
Posted by starlight on July 28, 2004, at 13:11:56
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too! ? TexasChic, posted by partlycloudy on July 28, 2004, at 8:57:24
Another way to quit. Put your baggie of weed, in another baggie that has some water in it then freeze it. That way you know it's there, but if you really want it, you have to wait for it to thaw, and by then you're usually back to not wanting it.
Posted by anthology on August 1, 2004, at 16:33:19
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by starlight on July 28, 2004, at 13:11:56
Damn... When I think of not smoking weed, I wonder how i will make it thru. I know i need to stop because i've smoked for years and i think that all the smoking has taken it's toll. I don't want to do ANYTHING! When i don't smoke i feel really grouchy and cranky. I mean it's like i have the devil inside of me.(not religiously speaking) I just get really, really hatefull. Then sometimes i think i don't want to stop smoking, i just want if out of my system for a while. Just so i can regain some energy and motivation. Does anyone relate to this? Btw, i hate drinking. i used to drink ALL THE TIME. I loved it, but now, can't stomach it. Weed is different, weed is my baby, i love weed. I can't stop! But it's hurting me now. i just need to ease off of it and clean out. How do i clear my mind and body from this substance? In my opinion, or how i think of it i should say, is that weed has this energy the has consumed me. i read one of the post, someone had mentioned to replace smoking with something else. Everything i do goes hand in hand with smoking, i.e., Eating, games, movies, tv, WORKING!! Please advise, Thank You
Posted by TexasChic on August 3, 2004, at 15:01:39
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by anthology on August 1, 2004, at 16:33:19
Dude, I'm right there with you. I'm so full of anxiety these days, all I look forward to is going home and smoking. I have been trying to put it off by reading a book or something – which does help me put it off. But I still want it before the nights over. The best is when I put it off so long I don't want to smoke before I go to bed, because then I won't be awake to enjoy it, which to me would be a waste. I think the problem is we become psychologically dependent on it to escape our problems. At least that's how I feel about it. So I guess the trick is to take care of the problems we're trying to escape. Of course if it was that easy, we wouldn't have ever taken it up in the first place. Anyway, I just wanted to say I understand, and if you come up with any pointers, let me know.
Posted by jonh kimble on August 10, 2004, at 0:29:46
In reply to Re: How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by starlight on July 27, 2004, at 15:24:24
Hi. Well I feel like anything I say will be a direct copy of what you said so maybe just an affirmation of finding something better than well whatever drug does the temporary trick. See drugs never made me kill anyone, (well lets start a little lower) or do anything really nuts. What I THINK they did is accustom me to immediate reward. Its hard to see in the murk of so many different drugs. I mean lsd makes me think wonderful things, pot too to a lesser degree.. But the best highs are (no i dont work for the nida) the times I did something, got the same high as drugs, but also the high of the intellectual, the monetary, the social, the whatever that drugs just wont do consistently. I say this without REALLY living it. Just last night picked up some meth. But I KNOW that there are better things. Social relations are great for this. Try going out with friends and laughing at what you just said cause you're so freakin smart, and/ or social acceptance is a great high. Sex! What the hell happened to the greatest dopamine surge that exists? Maybe thats not you're thing, but it should be. Ok this is rather murky and all but its a thought that I think is well worth pursuing. Cause when you get nothing but THROUGH your day, it would be crazy to say that your an idiot for doing drugs. We all need to feel high, sadly drugs are the easiest and most devastating way to get there. Did this make sense? Get high on telling me Im an idiot if it didnt. Id be proud.
Posted by octopusprime on August 11, 2004, at 0:51:17
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by TexasChic on August 3, 2004, at 15:01:39
> So I guess the trick is to take care of the problems we're trying to escape.
this is funny to me texaschic ...
when i quit smoking daily, i didn't bother solving my problems first. in fact, quitting smoking weed made some of my problems worse. my social network thought i was "weird" for not smoking up. some of my friends couldn't relate to me when i was sober. and i lost friends. and made things worse. it was hard. hard. hard.
but then again: when i quit it was on the advice of my doctor. that my psych meds would never get a fair trial if i didn't try quitting. and i was more scared about being depressed for the rest of my life, about feeling awful forever, that quitting weed and causing problems was worth it to avoid that pain.
it took me forever to work on solving the problems that "caused" me to smoke. in a way i haven't solved them, i wouldn't be returning to med therapy if i had. but i did wind up meeting a man who had just quit smoking dope, had a relationship with him (learning how to behave sober almost the whole time), left a relationship with him, and spent some time on my own filling my days without drugs. hard. hard. hard. but worth it! so worth it. i can't recognize the person i left behind two years ago when i quit. i feel so much stronger in so many ways.
but i think "solving your problems" first is a red herring ... we can never solve all our problems. if you don't have a compelling reason to quit, don't. but i did it for my mental health, and for that i was grateful, so if that's at all inspirational to you, take hold of that. if it's not, leave it, and do what makes you happy.
Posted by TexasChic on August 11, 2004, at 16:06:54
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too! » TexasChic, posted by octopusprime on August 11, 2004, at 0:51:17
> when i quit smoking daily, i didn't bother solving my problems first. in fact, quitting smoking weed made some of my problems worse. my social network thought i was "weird" for not smoking up. some of my friends couldn't relate to me when i was sober. and i lost friends. and made things worse. it was hard. hard. hard.
>
> but then again: when i quit it was on the advice of my doctor. that my psych meds would never get a fair trial if i didn't try quitting. and i was more scared about being depressed for the rest of my life, about feeling awful forever, that quitting weed and causing problems was worth it to avoid that pain.
>
> it took me forever to work on solving the problems that "caused" me to smoke. in a way i haven't solved them, i wouldn't be returning to med therapy if i had. but i did wind up meeting a man who had just quit smoking dope, had a relationship with him (learning how to behave sober almost the whole time), left a relationship with him, and spent some time on my own filling my days without drugs. hard. hard. hard. but worth it! so worth it. i can't recognize the person i left behind two years ago when i quit. i feel so much stronger in so many ways.
>
> but i think "solving your problems" first is a red herring ... we can never solve all our problems. if you don't have a compelling reason to quit, don't. but i did it for my mental health, and for that i was grateful, so if that's at all inspirational to you, take hold of that. if it's not, leave it, and do what makes you happy.
>Touché.
Posted by lulu garcia on August 11, 2004, at 22:16:28
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too! » octopusprime, posted by TexasChic on August 11, 2004, at 16:06:54
I'ts social... If we lived in a more tolerant society, we probably wouldn't get all psyched up because of this... but we still gotta quit...
luck to all!
Posted by Starlight on August 20, 2004, at 14:40:56
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by lulu garcia on August 11, 2004, at 22:16:28
I bet we'd all feel differently if it were both socially and legally acceptable. It's kind of like drinking (only ultimately better since it has none of the superdetrimental side effects of alcohol). One thing I like about it is the way that it transports me to a more spiritual place - I've decided that my new religion is Rasta! And I hate the adds that infer that it's a gateway drug. I've never tried anything else as a result of smoking weed. Never wanted to. I tried LSD and Mescaline in college, but that was for different purposes.
Starlight
Posted by TexasChic on September 15, 2004, at 9:01:35
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by Starlight on August 20, 2004, at 14:40:56
If its a gateway drug, then so is alcohol. I mean, what's the difference anyway? I think its so hypocritical that our society frowns on weed, but accepts alcohol, which is a man made product specifically designed to get you drunk (high). I honestly think keeping pot illegal is a political money making thing. There just isn't a logical reason to allow alcohol but not pot into our society.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.
Posted by watergirl on September 17, 2004, at 21:44:23
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
I used to somke ALOT-ALOT-ALOT of pot! Consistently for 12 years (with the exception of my pregnancy and while I nursed). I'm 28.
When I started taking effexor XR I smoked more pot than ever before. At that time, my then fiance (who is a major pothead), would coment that I should just glue the damn pipe to my lips..... Effexor was awfull for me (just my personal experience) I had soo much anxiety while on the drug, I could not have survived without smoking pot......UNTIL I was prescribed Xanex (which took "the edge" off), then taken off of the Effexor.
When Wellbutrin was prescribed to me, I MAGICALLY DID NOT WANT TO SMOKE ANY WEED! ! I just had no desire, it was amazing! I did'nt care about smoking cigerettes or drinking alcohol.
Wellbutrin was my miracle drug. Wellbutrin saved my life and restored my sanity!
Best Wishes,
Cindy
I also broke up with my fiance, he could not handle my mood swings while I was on Effexor. I think being away from the weed and my ex, also helped too.
Best Wishes,
Cindy**After not smoking any weed for almot 4 months, I smoked on Tuesday evening then went to the bar with my girlfriend. I felt good and had fun. Then I went to my boyfriends house and pretty much destroyed our relationship because he would not recriprocate with Oral Sex. DUMB, DUMB
I hope I'll learn one of these days** I dont take Wellbutrin any more :(
Posted by TexasChic on October 8, 2004, at 12:52:52
In reply to How I stoped smoking WEED » Cottonwool, posted by watergirl on September 17, 2004, at 21:44:23
Okay, I stopped smoking weed about 4 weeks ago. It was pretty much everyday before then, and little activity. I've been pretty active the last two weeks at a job that takes alot of physical exertion and sweat. So do you think I'll be good for the test? I'm tempted to go get a drug test from the drug store, but they're about $60 bucks.
I plan to drink lots of water, but am not sure when to start. The night before? 12 hours before? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted by partlycloudy on October 10, 2004, at 13:45:57
In reply to Re: Drug test monday, posted by TexasChic on October 8, 2004, at 12:52:52
You'll be fine. 4 weeks is plenty enough time to get it out of your system. Drink as much water as you like (I do drink a lot anyway, but especially when I know I have something traceable in my blood). I kept waiting for the axe to fall (I had smoked 72 hours before the test because I was hired so quickly) after my drug test. I did one of those alka-seltzer type purification systems, and it is mostly water...
You'll be fine. I am so glad for you.
Posted by TexasChic on October 10, 2004, at 21:08:09
In reply to Re: Drug test monday, posted by partlycloudy on October 10, 2004, at 13:45:57
Thanks PC. I did a home test and the line for THC was lighter than all the other lines. The insert said lighter or darker lines didn't mean anything and not to read anything into it. But it was so very, very faint, I don't know what to think. I got some detox tea, and plan to drink alot of water tomorrow, I'm just worried about being tagged as someone trying to beat the test. I'm going to take vitamins so it won't be too clear, and I've also heard asprin works as a screen. I guess I'm over reacting, but that's what I do best! I'll be very relieved once I am actually sitting behind that desk!
Posted by TexasChic on October 12, 2004, at 21:51:42
In reply to Re: Drug test monday » partlycloudy, posted by TexasChic on October 10, 2004, at 21:08:09
Posted by partlycloudy on October 13, 2004, at 4:43:29
In reply to Re: I passed! Yea! (nm), posted by TexasChic on October 12, 2004, at 21:51:42
Posted by lulugarcia on October 16, 2004, at 9:39:29
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by lulu garcia on August 11, 2004, at 22:16:28
so... it's been a little more than a month that I stopped smoking. i had smoked, regularly (almost everyday), for ten years. i have to say, it feels good. i'm not saying that smoking weed is bad. of course we live in an intolerant society, and this doesn't help. but i do think that one of the things about smoking weed, or doing any other drug, for that matter (because, let's not lie to ourselves, marijuana is a drug), is to know when to stop, to know when is enough. and also to accept that a regular pot smoker is, to a certian extent, less productive than someone who is clean (i hate that word, as if pot was dirty). and the fact that we live in a extremely competitive and over-productive society puts us, oh dear weed worshipers, in a disvantageous and awkward position. i'm not saying i'm quiting for ever, or telling anyone to do so. i don't want to be a moralist. but know (yes you) that one of the best things in life is two know oneself (to get to know oneself is both a delighful and intriguing process), and marijuana sometimes gets in the way, thus bluring our selfimage, our selfknowledge, and therefore our disires and goals in life. marijuana is not always a carrier of knowlegde.
peace.
Posted by stankdtree on December 8, 2004, at 21:08:43
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by anthology on August 1, 2004, at 16:33:19
hey texas chic i have the same wrong wid me if u find out how plz let me know ive been smoking for 10 yrs an feel i cant cope without it everything i do includes weed and when i dont have it there is nothing that can replace it
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